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Hendra virus
Overview / History
Hendra virus or HeV infection is a rare zoonotic (spreads from animals) disease that affects humans and horses. It was first identified in 1994 in Hendra, a Brisbane suburb in Australia during an outbreak of the disease in horses and humans. Hendra virus is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus and is closely related to Nipah virus.
Mode of spread
- Animals
Transmission
Flying foxes (belong to fruit bat family) are the natural hosts for the Hendra virus. HeV is transmitted from animals to humans through body fluids and tissues that are infected with the virus. The animals can get infected after contact with urine of infected flying foxes. No human-to-human transmission has been recorded so far.
Symptoms
HeV can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe and can be fatal. Symptoms usually develop within 9 to 16 days after exposure. It can present as a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, sore throat, cough and difficulty breathing. It may progress to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Hendra virus infections are rare but it has a high fatality rate (57%).
Diagnosis
Hendra virus diagnosis can be confirmed by RT-PCR and antibody tests on samples from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and throat.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Hendra virus. Treatment is limited to supportive care and managing symptoms, patients often require intensive care.
Prevention
There is no vaccine for humans, however there is a vaccine for horses.
To prevent infection:
- Practice good hygiene
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid contact with sick horses
Risk to travellers
Flying foxes, that host the Hendra virus, are found in coastal and forested regions in Australia (Queensland and New South Wales). People at risk are those who may have recreational or occupational exposure to horses that are potentially infected.
